iPhone Payment/Installment "Activation"

[goblutes]

Looking to get an unlocked iPhone 7 with the Qualcomm modem (A1660/A1661). I'd prefer not to have to pay outright, so I am considering the payment/installment plan through Apple.

As best as I can glean, if you buy the phone with the payment option on the website (apple.com), then you must activate the phone with a carrier. However, if you buy in stores, the fine print seems to suggest that you do not have to activate the phone with a carrier.

You can read the details here:

https://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/iphoneinstallments_us/

1b reads:

Wireless Service Activation. If purchased on apple.com, the Financed iPhone requires activation on a new or existing wireless service plan with an eligible carrier under the carrier’s terms, and may be subject to an additional fee charged by your carrier.


I take this to mean that carrier activation is not require if purchased in store.

Given my preference for the Qualcomm modem and an unlocked phone, then I need to get the Verizon version.

Can anyone help me confirm or deny this?

 

[Applejuiced]

I believe if you do the monthly payment plan with Apple you have to activate it with an active line.
And if you want the verizon iphone 7 version you will have to have a verizon account.

 

[Nick11Mac]

They ask who your carrier is and activate it in the store.

 

[goblutes]

So i could get a prepaid verizon sim card and be good to go?
[doublepost=1480191761][/doublepost]Is there a difference between the sim-free unlocked phone and the verizon unlocked phone?

 

[Applejuiced]

So i could get a prepaid verizon sim card and be good to go?
[doublepost=1480191761][/doublepost]Is there a difference between the sim-free unlocked phone and the verizon unlocked phone?

Or you could go in with someone that has verizon activate it and then take out the sim card and replace it.
Not sure if that's a viable solution.
I believe the Verizon and the current sim free is the same device.

 

[Nick11Mac]

MacRumors articles here https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-upgrade-program/

 

[goblutes]

MacRumors articles here https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-upgrade-program/

Thanks, Nick, but I'm not interested in the upgrade program, and none of the articles answer my particular set of questions.

 

[Nick11Mac]

Thanks, Nick, but I'm not interested in the upgrade program, and none of the articles answer my particular set of questions.

Sorry, I misunderstood. Best wishes.

 

[Applejuiced]

Thanks, Nick, but I'm not interested in the upgrade program...

I'd prefer not to have to pay outright, so I am considering the payment/installment plan through Apple.

Im confused.
Do you want to buy it using the payment plan or buy it full price?

 

[goblutes]

Im confused.
Do you want to buy it using the payment plan or buy it full price?

I'm considering the payment/installment plan rather than the upgrade plan. They are two different things. Though my preference for one rather than the other may be misguided.

If I wanted to buy it outright, there would be no question: buy the sim-free version.

 

[Applejuiced]

I'm considering the payment/installment plan rather than the upgrade plan. They are two different things. Though my preference for one rather than the other may be misguided.

If I wanted to buy it outright, there would be no question: buy the sim-free version.

I thought they were the same thing.
You can update a year later and trade in for the new iPhone or just continue to make the payments till you pay it off.
Isn't that the Payment plan by Apple?
Im confused.